The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra offered a complimentary concert exclusively for Jasper residents and first responders at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge on Sunday (Oct. 20).
William Eddins, music director emeritus of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, expressed during his opening remarks his sympathy for Jasper residents affected by the recent wildfires.
“Every once in a while, when you do what we do, you get to do something that’s much more important than a concert, and that’s what I feel like tonight is,” Eddins said. “Please allow us the opportunity of taking you away for two hours and playing beautiful music for you.”
Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, was in attendance. She acknowledged how many in the audience were touched by the tragic wildfires.
“As His Majesty the King’s representative in Alberta, I share in the sorrow felt by your community and offer you my hope that Jasper soon returns to its form of glory and magic,” Lakhani said.
The lieutenant governor added the evening was an opportunity to express gratitude to the first responders who risked their lives to keep Jasper safe. She described them as “the true heroes of this chapter of our lives.”
“Everyone here tonight – musicians and music lovers, first responders, Jasper residents or otherwise – we all stand together,” she said. “I hope that tonight’s musical performance offers us all a way to channel our emotions into a collective expression of empathy and support.”
Symphony Under the Stars offered a diverse collection of classical, romantic and modern pieces spanning several centuries and musical traditions.
“This concert is a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for our Jasper community and a way to honour the invaluable contributions of our first responders, especially during recent challenging times,” said Daniel Ross, public relations manager with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, in an email. “This exclusivity creates a unique space for our local community to connect and celebrate our collective resilience.”
Due to the weather, the concert was offered inside the lodge rather than on the shores of Lac Beauvert as initially planned. Ross noted the concert was made possible by support from Travel Alberta.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has hosted Symphony Under the Stars every year since 2015 as part of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, but this was the first time the resort hosted a complimentary concert for Jasper residents and first responders. Capacity was also limited this year due to the wildfire.
Proceeds from ticket sales for the paid concert the day before on Saturday (Oct. 19) will go towards recovery efforts through the Jasper Community Team Society.
“Ultimately, we want this concert to be a catalyst for healing, a source of joy and a cherished memory that will remind us all of the strength we possess when we come together as one community,” Ross said.
